One man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of arson-related charges after police say he lit a series of small fires in and around Lakewood’s Fox Hollow Golf Course.
Firefighters responded to Fox Hollow about 3 p.m. Thursday after golfers noticed several smoke plumes nearby, West Metro Fire Rescue said in a statement on X.
The fires —Â set in open spaces and wooded areas around the golf cart paths — burned about 5 acres total, the fire department stated.
Fire crews were able to suppress the flames quickly, and no damage was done to nearby homes or other structures.
The arson suspect was fully clothed when fire crews arrived on scene but removed his shirt before Lakewood police officers could handcuff him, West Metro Fire Rescue spokesperson Ronda Scholting said.
The man is expected to be charged with arson, intentionally causing a wildfire and assault.
West Metro fire crews patrolled the fire areas overnight to check for any remaining hot spots, and returned Friday morning to make sure the containment lines held, according to Scholting.
Some of the burns allegedly set by the suspect were in areas with debris, such as piles of tree limbs.
“Embers can dig themselves into downed vegetation and sit there for a while, smoldering, before they eventually ignite,” Scholting said.
Crews from South Metro Fire Rescue, Castle Rock Fire, West Douglas Fire, Foothills Fire, Indian Hills Fire and Fairmount Fire also responded.
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